Week 12 Saturday / Sunday EPL Live Chat: Manchester Madness

Premier League fans love derbies... and “Big Six” clashes... and games with fantasy spoils at the ready. That means that we should love this weekend, so tune in!

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SATURDAY

Cardiff v. Brighton (early game)

Seemingly helpless 19th place Cardiff can hope a little, due to being at home and knowing that Brighton had its three-game win streak snapped last weekend at Everton, 3-1. But sorry, I’m not getting up early for this one.

Huddersfield v. West Ham

Amazingly, both teams are coming off victories. For Huddersfield, it was the first such triumph of the season. Can either make it two in a row, or are we headed for a draw to start winless streaks?

Leicester v. Burnley

Leicester comes off an emotional win last weekend, followed by a midweek funerial trip to Bangkok to mourn the death and celebrate the life of beloved club-owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. This marks the first home game since his passing, so the Foxes will want to honor his memory with another victory in front of the faithful.

As for the visitors, Burnley has been absolutely shelled the past three weeks, losing to West Ham, Chelsea and Manchester City by a combined count of 13-2. Should we be adding the “arrrrgh!” back to the name of keeper Joe Hart?

Newcastle v. Bournemouth

After their first victory of the season last week at home against Watford, Rafa Benitez’s Magpies get a chance at another upset in front of the St. James’ Park loyalists, this time against Bournemouth. The Cherries currently sit in 6th place, but just barely, after losing last week at now #7 Manchester United.

Southampton v. Watford

Before last weekend’s 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City, Southampton had been involved in two straight nil-nil affairs. Meanwhile, take a look at Watford’s last six games: 1-1 draw, 2-0 loss, 4-0 loss, 2-0 win, 3-0 win, 1-0 loss. Can anybody really predict how this game is going to go?

Crystal Palace v. Tottenham (late game)

Most teams can point to a home pitch advantage, but not the Eagles. They’ve failed to win at Selhurst Park so far this season, managing only two goals in those contests. Meanwhile, Spurs have won their past five away fixtures, and they’re coming off their first Champions League win, 2-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven. So, easy Spurs win, right?! Don’t tell that to any Tottenham supporter, particularly given how Wolves nearly clawed back from a 3-0 hole last week in the 3-2 nail-biter.

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SUNDAY

Liverpool v. Fulham (early game)

Last place Fulham has been the proverbial whipping boy of the Premier League, losing its last five games by a combined total of 15-3. That leaves 3rd place Liverpool the favorite not only to win, but to do so convincingly. Like squirrels hoarding nuts for the upcoming winter, fantasy managers are loading up on Reds for this seemingly one-sided affair at Anfield.

The only thing that could give pause is Liverpool’s 2-0 loss at Red Star Belgrade in Champions League group stage action on Tuesday. Then again, that will probably give the players extra motivation, right? If all goes to form, expect an imminent pink slip for Cottagers’ manager Slavisa Jokanovic as the teams head into the international break, likely with a desperately-needed defensive-minded tactician coming on board.

Chelsea v. Everton

After Eden Hazard missed Burnley due to back injury and saw limited minutes from the versus Crystal Palace, he started while being removed early midweek in Europe League against BATE Borisov, so fantasy managers will be overjoyed to see the Belgian superstar’s full return.

Both teams are enjoying fine runs of form. The high-flying Blues are unbeaten on the season in all competitions, and the Toffees have won four of their past five contests in the league. However, Everton have won only once on the road this season, and they’ve lost away to Big Six sides Manchester United and Arsenal, so Maurizio Sarri will expect to keep the fans happy at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal v. Wolverhampton (late game)

It seems so long ago that Arsenal had won seven straight league matches, but that’s what two straight draws will do. And it seems such ancient history when Wolves were unbeaten in six consecutive games, as three straight losses sure erased that memory quickly. Can the Gunners get back to winning? Or will Wolves instead find their form again?

Manchester City v. Manchester United (the late, late game)

Woo hoo, the Manchester derby! Both Cottonopolis teams won last weekend, and both enjoyed success in mid-week Champions League bouts. Fantasy managers will be interested to see if Raheem Sterling and/or Anthony Martial can keep up scorching hot form. Of course, with this game at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s Citizens will expect victory, but you never know what Jose Mourinho has up his sleeve, so don’t miss it!

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HOW TO WATCH EPL GAMES THIS WEEKEND (in U.S.)

Dates: November 10 & 11

Times: Various

Available Broadcast TV: NBC (Crystal Palace v. Spurs); Telemundo (Chelsea v. Everton, Manchester City v. Manchester United)

Available Cable TV: NBCSN (Cardiff v. Brighton, Leicester v. Burnley, Liverpool v. Fulham, Chelsea v. Everton, Manchester City v. Manchester United), Universo (Leicester v. Burnley, Crystal Palace v. Spurs, Liverpool v. Fulham)

Available Streaming: NBC Sports Gold (Newcastle v. Bournemouth, Southampton v. Watford, Huddersfield v. West Ham, Arenal v. Wolves), DirecTV Now, Fubo.TV, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, and Sling TV (the other six games)

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Which games are you going to watch, and what fantasy players will determine your success this weekend? Who needs to perform or get a pink-slip? Whom are you watching for a possible barn-door buy? Join in the live chat below as the action unfolds!

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